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Topic Review (Newest First)

05-02-2010 10:55 AM

pttayl

Thanks for the reply but it really does not help me.
I will be by myself in a 23 ft Grady White. I understand the eastbound trip, where you are descending, is relatively easy since turbulence is minimal.
Nevertheless, a two-person crew is required by the Seaway regulations and my question was "does anyone have experience in getting a temporary second crew to go through the various locks?" That would be most likely a different person for each lock or one person for locks that are nearby, like Eisenhower/Snell. Peter

04-30-2010 10:12 PM

Halberdier

I'd recommend a crew of three. I, the captain/owner did not have to handle a line and thus could watch the process and take action where needed. For example, keep the boat off the wall and in our case keep the sailboat's spreaders from catching.

04-30-2010 08:52 PM

pttayl

St Lawrence Seaway lock transit

Am planning cruise through StLawrence Seaway from Oswego to Sorel and then south to Hudson River through Lake Champlain. Will be done in June 2010. I have a 23 ft Grady White (sorry-is power-but used to sail). Problem is I will be by myself and wonder if anyone has experience getting a second crew to transit the locks, since even on a small boat like mine a two person minimum crew is required. Peter

04-05-2010 05:31 PM

MC1

Informative, thank you.

04-05-2010 04:12 PM

Halberdier

Coping on a late fall cruise, Lake Ontario to Quebec

A quick note on the trip:
- Found a total crew of three was best for transiting the Locks on the St. Lawrence seaway. One each on fore and aft line and myself to watch. Check the spreader does not catch on the lock's walls.
- We were transiting the locks in late October and the public dock were removed. We could not contact the lockmaster as we needed the dock to get to the telephone to contact the lockmaster. The VHF channel for each lock was different than the last. The staff at one lock usually did not know the channel for the next. Consult the Radio Aids to navigation government of Canada publications.
- Most yacht clubs close at the end of October. event thought they are closed, they were hospitable and gave us space, There is a slight discount for off season, usually 10%, but seemed not enough for a lack of services.
- Found few sheltered anchorages in Lake Ontario and the Saint Lawrence River except for the Thousand Islands section.
- Great scenery in the Thousand Islands granite outcroppings, magnificent houses/cottages, islands; unique and not to be missed.
- Snow on deck is dangerous, very slippery.
- Even though this is a populated area, emergency health care is not readily available. Immediate help can be hours away.
- Tips for when the temperature is low. Some days we had temperatures below freezing. Needed felt lined boots. Because we have a metal destroyer steering wheel, heavy mitts (snowmobile mitts) were great for the helmsman.
- Floater suites, like Mustang's, were great for laying around, but too warm for work.
- Cabin heat is a necessity. Otherwise no way to get dry. More comfortable for eating and lounging.
- SOSpender's inflatable lifejackets were comfortable and readily worn by crew. The integrated harness made it easy to clip on when going on deck. And because the harness is integrated, the crew always has a harness on and do not have to take time to take off a life jacket and put one on.
- Togues are great hats.
- A permanent dodger over the cockpit kept us warm and out of the elements. Recommended for cold weather sailing.
- Self steering would have been useful. We hand steered the whole way and stood at the wheel. A helmsman chair would be useful, a necessity if singlehanded.